Point locations of Debt advice agencies including attributes information such as contact details and drop-in session times.

Debt advice agencies offer advice and support to people facing difficulties with debt and other finacial problems. Most agencies provide this assistence in a number of ways, including drop-in sessions, pre-arranged appointments, telephone consultations and online information. Note that you may need to bring some paperwork or personal details to attend drop-in sessions. Call the agency for details.

UK Home Equity Lending Market size was valued at USD 10.2 Billion in 2024 and is projected to reach USD 18.7 Billion by 2032, growing at a CAGR of 7.9% during the forecasted period 2026 to 2032.

​The UK home equity lending market is experiencing notable growth, driven by several key factors. An aging population with insufficient retirement savings has led to increased demand for equity release products, allowing homeowners to access the value tied up in their properties. Additionally, rising property values have enhanced homeowners' equity, making such financial products more accessible and appealing. The integration of financial technology (fintech) has further streamlined the borrowing process, offering digital innovations that enhance customer experiences and operational efficiency. Moreover, financial institutions are adapting to evolving regulatory guidance by adjusting lending criteria to support homeownership goals, as evidenced by Santander's recent changes to mortgage affordability assessments. Collectively, these factors contribute to the dynamic expansion of the UK's home equity lending market.

Clients seeking financial advice from the debt charity StepChange in the United Kingdom had on average approximately 8,000 British pounds of unsecured credit card debt in 2022. On average, the new clients of this charity owed more unsecured debt from personal loans than from any other type of credit.

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Debt Settlement Market Size 2024-2028

The debt settlement market size is forecast to increase by USD 5.07 billion at a CAGR of 10.3% between 2023 and 2028.

The market is experiencing significant growth due to the increasing trend of consumers seeking relief from mounting credit card debts. One-time debt settlement has gained popularity as an effective solution for individuals looking to reduce their outstanding debt balances. However, the time-consuming nature of negotiations between debtors and creditors poses a challenge for market expansion. Despite this, the market's strategic landscape remains favorable for companies offering debt settlement services. Key drivers include the rising number of consumers struggling with debt, increasing awareness of debt settlement as a viable debt relief option, and the growing preference for affordable and flexible debt repayment plans.
Companies seeking to capitalize on market opportunities should focus on streamlining the negotiation process, leveraging technology to enhance customer experience, and building trust and transparency with clients. Effective operational planning and strategic partnerships with creditors can also help companies navigate the challenges of a competitive and complex market.

What will be the Size of the Debt Settlement Market during the forecast period?

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The market encompasses a range of companies offering financial wellness programs to help consumers manage and reduce their debt. These programs include medical Debt collection, consumer debt relief, and financial education resources. Online financial resources and debt management software are increasingly popular, providing consumers with affordable debt solutions and debt negotiation strategies. However, it's crucial for consumers to be aware of debt settlement scams and their settlement success rates. Debt consolidation loans and financial planning tools are also viable options for responsible debt management. Furthermore, financial literacy education and workshops are essential for consumers to understand debt reduction calculators and credit reporting errors.
Consumer financial protection agencies offer financial counseling services and financial planning advice to promote financial wellness strategies and responsible borrowing. Student loan forgiveness programs are also gaining traction in the market. Overall, the market for debt settlement and financial wellness solutions continues to evolve, with a focus on providing accessible and effective debt relief options for consumers.

How is this Debt Settlement Industry segmented?

The debt settlement industry research report provides comprehensive data (region-wise segment analysis), with forecasts and estimates in 'USD million' for the period 2024-2028, as well as historical data from 2018-2022 for the following segments.

Type

  Credit card debt
  Student loan debt
  Medical debt
  Auto loan debt
  Unsecured personal loan debt
  Others


End-user

  Individual
  Enterprise
  Government


Distribution Channel

  Online
  Offline
  Hybrid


Service Type

  Debt Settlement
  Debt Consolidation
  Debt Management Plans
  Credit Counseling


Provider Type

  For-profit Debt Settlement Companies
  Non-profit Credit Counseling Agencies
  Law Firms
  Financial Institutions


Geography

  North America

    US
    Canada


  Europe

    France
    Germany
    Italy
    UK


  Middle East and Africa



  APAC

    China
    India
    Japan
    South Korea


  South America



  Rest of World (ROW)

By Type Insights

The credit card debt segment is estimated to witness significant growth during the forecast period.

The market experiences significant activity due to the escalating credit card debt among consumers. In India, for instance, the rising financial hardships faced by borrowers are evident in the increasing credit card defaults. The latest data indicates that credit card defaults in India reached 1.8% in June 2024, a notable increase from 1.7% six months prior and 1.6% in March 2023. This trend underscores the mounting financial pressures on consumers. The outstanding credit card debt in India mirrors this trend, with approximately USD3.25 billion in outstanding balances as of June 2024, a slight increase from the previous year.

Debt elimination and negotiation strategies, such as debt relief programs and debt consolidation, have become increasingly popular among consumers seeking financial relief. Credit reporting agencies play a crucial role in this process, as they maintain and report consumers' credit histories to lenders. Student loan debt, medical debt, tax debt, and payday loans are other significant contributors to the market. Consumers often turn to debt validation, credit repair, and financial coaching for guidance in managing their debts. Online platforms, mobile apps, and budgeting tools have become

Private Debt to GDP in the United Kingdom decreased to 75.70 percent in 2024 from 79.30 percent in 2023. United Kingdom Private Debt to GDP - values, historical data, forecasts and news - updated on July of 2025.

In 2022, the most common reason for having personal debt by people seeking financial advice in the United Kingdom (UK) was lack of control over finances. According to the figures, ** percent of clients who sought debt counseling with the UK charity StepChange had debt problems because of the increase in the cost of living. Personal debt is defined as a financial obligation owed by an individual or a household.

Foodbank Support and face-to-face Debt Advice locations. Upon accessing this Licensed Data you will be deemed to have accepted the terms of the Public Sector End User Licence - INSPIRE.

The UK mortgage and loan broker market, valued at £2.88 billion in 2025, is poised for significant growth, exhibiting a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 9.60% from 2025 to 2033. This robust expansion is driven by several factors. Increasing demand for mortgages and loans from both individuals and businesses, fueled by a growing population and a dynamic economy, is a primary driver. The rise of online platforms and fintech solutions is streamlining the application process, making mortgages and loans more accessible to a wider range of consumers. Furthermore, the increasing complexity of financial products necessitates the expertise of brokers who can navigate the market and secure the best deals for their clients. The market is segmented by enterprise size (large, small, mid-sized), application type (home loans, commercial and industrial loans, vehicle loans, loans to governments, others), and end-user (businesses, individuals). Major players like Lloyds Banking Group, NatWest Group, and HSBC Bank dominate the market, alongside smaller, specialized brokers catering to niche needs. While regulatory changes and economic fluctuations present potential restraints, the market's inherent growth trajectory and the continuing need for professional financial guidance strongly suggest a sustained period of expansion. The competitive landscape features a mix of established banking institutions and independent brokerages. While large banks offer extensive resources and brand recognition, independent brokers often provide more personalized service and access to a wider range of lenders. The market's geographical distribution across the UK reflects regional variations in housing prices, economic activity, and consumer behaviour. Future growth will likely be influenced by interest rate adjustments, government policies impacting the housing market, and technological innovations enhancing the efficiency and accessibility of mortgage and loan brokerage services. The increasing focus on sustainable and ethical lending practices could also shape the industry's future. Further specialization within niche market segments like green mortgages or bridging loans is expected to emerge, attracting further investments and enhancing competition. Recent developments include: In October 2023, Deutsche Bank AG announced the completion of its acquisition of Numis Corporation Plc. The integration of both brands' strengths and reputations in the UK and global markets has led to the introduction of 'Deutsche Numis', emerging as a prominent entity in UK investment banking and the preferred advisor for listed companies in the UK., In January 2024, Perenna took a major step forward by becoming a part of the lender panels for several prominent networks and clubs in the UK, such as Mortgage Advice Bureau, Stonebridge, and Legal & General Mortgage Club. This expansion marks a strategic growth initiative for Perenna, with intentions to forge additional partnerships in the coming times.. Notable trends are: The Future of Mortgages in UK is Being Reshaped by Digitization.

The Family Resources Survey (FRS) has been running continuously since 1992 to meet the information needs of the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP). It is almost wholly funded by DWP.

The FRS collects information from a large, and representative sample of private households in the United Kingdom (prior to 2002, it covered Great Britain only). The interview year runs from April to March.

The focus of the survey is on income, and how much comes from the many possible sources (such as employee earnings, self-employed earnings or profits from businesses, and dividends; individual pensions; state benefits, including Universal Credit and the State Pension; and other sources such as savings and investments). Specific items of expenditure, such as rent or mortgage, Council Tax and water bills, are also covered.

Many other topics are covered and the dataset has a very wide range of personal characteristics, at the adult or child, family and then household levels. These include education, caring, childcare and disability. The dataset also captures material deprivation, household food security and (new for 2021/22) household food bank usage.

The FRS is a national statistic whose results are published on the gov.uk website. It is also possible to create your own tables from FRS data, using DWP’s Stat Xplore tool. Further information can be found on the gov.uk Family Resources Survey webpage.

Secure Access FRS data
In addition to the standard End User Licence (EUL) version, Secure Access datasets, containing unrounded data and additional variables, are also available for FRS from 2005/06 onwards - see SN 9256. Prospective users of the Secure Access version of the FRS will need to fulfil additional requirements beyond those associated with the EUL datasets. Full details of the application requirements are available from http://ukdataservice.ac.uk/media/178323/secure_frs_application_guidance.pdf" style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">Guidance on applying for the Family Resources Survey: Secure Access.

FRS, HBAI and PI
The FRS underpins the related Households Below Average Income (HBAI) dataset, which focuses on poverty in the UK, and the related Pensioners' Incomes (PI) dataset. The EUL versions of HBAI and PI are held under SNs 5828 and 8503, respectively. The Secure Access versions are held under SN 7196 and 9257 (see above).

FRS 2023-24

Alongside the usual topics covered, the 2023-2024 FRS includes new variables on veterans (ex-armed forces, former regulars and reserves); care leavers (where young adults were previously living in care, during their teenage years); and, for the self-employed, length of time in that occupation. For doctors, we add clarifying variables for NHS vs private earnings streams. There are new variables on food support from friends/relatives, which complement the existing food bank and household food security set. 2023-2024 also includes Cost of Living Payment variables, including those on certain state benefits and the Warm Homes Discount scheme.

The achieved sample was over 16,500 households (28,500+ adults). A large majority of interviews were face-to-face with a minority being by telephone.

The BENUNIT table contains a raft of variables on the new material deprivation question set; see GOV.UK for background.

This version of the dataset (End User Licence) adds the DEBT table for the first time this year. The table contains responses on credit card debt, loan debt, hire purchase debt and store card debt.

Please send any feedback directly to the FRS Team Inbox: team.frs@dwp.gov.uk

Documentation

Many variables in the data files are fully labelled, but additional details can be found in the frs2324_variable_listing_eul.xlsx document.

Most of the overdue money for bills and loans of people who sought debt advice in 2022 came from mortgage payments. On average, clients who came to the charity StepChange seeking credit counseling had nearly ***** British pounds for rent payments past due. Meanwhile, that group of people also owed over ***** British pounds on payments for dual fuel, which is a type of utility where households get their gas and electricity supply from the same provider.

The European mortgage and loan broker market, valued at €8.79 billion in 2025, is projected to experience robust growth, exhibiting a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 8.12% from 2025 to 2033. This expansion is fueled by several key factors. Increasing demand for mortgages and loans from both individuals and businesses, particularly within the burgeoning sectors of home loans, commercial and industrial lending, and vehicle financing, are driving market expansion. Furthermore, the rise of online platforms and fintech solutions is streamlining the loan application process, making it more accessible and efficient for consumers. Growing financial literacy among the population and the increasing preference for expert guidance in navigating complex financial products further bolster the market's growth trajectory. However, regulatory changes and potential economic downturns pose challenges. Stringent regulations aimed at protecting consumers may increase operational costs for brokers, while economic uncertainty could dampen demand for loans. Market segmentation reveals a diversified landscape, with enterprise clients (large, small, and medium-sized businesses) exhibiting varying levels of engagement and demand. The competitive landscape features established players like Lloyds Banking Group, NatWest Group, and HSBC Bank, alongside other significant brokers, all vying for market share in this dynamic sector. Geographic distribution within Europe shows significant variation, with the United Kingdom, Germany, and France likely comprising the largest market segments. The "Rest of Europe" segment presents considerable growth potential, particularly in countries with burgeoning middle classes and increasing homeownership rates. The market's future will likely hinge on effective adaptation to regulatory shifts, maintaining consumer trust through ethical practices, and leveraging technological advancements to enhance service delivery. Focusing on personalized customer experiences and specializing in niche loan types could provide a competitive edge for market participants. The forecast period of 2025-2033 presents considerable opportunities for growth and strategic expansion for both established and emerging players in the European mortgage and loan broker market. Europe Mortgage / Loan Broker Market: A Comprehensive Report (2019-2033) This comprehensive report provides an in-depth analysis of the Europe mortgage and loan broker market, covering the period from 2019 to 2033. With a focus on the base year 2025 and forecast period 2025-2033, it delves into market size, segmentation, growth drivers, challenges, and key players, offering invaluable insights for businesses and investors in the sector. High-search-volume keywords such as "mortgage brokers Europe," "loan brokers UK," "European mortgage market," and "commercial loan brokers," are strategically integrated throughout the report to ensure maximum visibility on search engines. Recent developments include: January 2023: OneDome, a UK end-to-end challenger, acquired CMME Mortgage and Protection Ltd. from CMME Group for an undisclosed sum. The acquisition, which involves the integration of CMME Mortgages 65-person team into OneDome, will enable OneDome to dramatically expand its mortgage brokerage capability and support its online clients., June 2023: Barclays (BARC.L) has agreed to buy specialty lender Kensington Mortgage Company for approximately 2.3 billion pounds ($2.8 billion), boosting its presence in the UK property sector.. Notable trends are: The Housing Market's Expansion Drives Up Demand for Mortgage Brokers.

To show where advice drop in sesions take place. Providing advice on debt, energy, benefits, welfare, housing, legal matters and immigration.

The benchmark interest rate in the United Kingdom was last recorded at 4.25 percent. This dataset provides - United Kingdom Interest Rate - actual values, historical data, forecast, chart, statistics, economic calendar and news.

Snapshot img

Micro Lending Market Size 2025-2029

The micro lending market size is forecast to increase by USD 532.1 billion at a CAGR of 28.1% between 2024 and 2029.

The market is experiencing significant growth, driven by the increasing adoption of advanced technology in microfinancing. This technological evolution is enabling financial institutions to expand their reach and provide more accessible and efficient services to a larger population, particularly in developing nations. However, despite this progress, there remains a substantial untapped market due to the lack of awareness about financial services in certain regions. This presents both opportunities and challenges for market participants. On the one hand, there is a vast potential customer base waiting to be served, offering significant growth prospects. On the other hand, there are complexities in reaching and serving these customers effectively, requiring innovative solutions and strategic partnerships.
One major trend is the adoption of advanced technology in microfinancing, enabling faster and more efficient loan processing and underwriting. This technology includes mobile applications, biometric identification, and artificial intelligence. Another trend is the increasing adoption of micro lending in developing nations, where access to traditional banking services is limited. Companies seeking to capitalize on this market opportunity must navigate these challenges with agility and a deep knowledge of local market dynamics. By leveraging technology, building strong partnerships, and addressing the unique needs of the market, businesses can effectively serve this growing customer base and differentiate themselves in a competitive landscape.

What will be the Size of the Micro Lending Market during the forecast period?

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The market continues to gain momentum as a critical component of global financial inclusion efforts. This market encompasses various financial inclusion strategies, including digital financial inclusion, loan disbursement through fintech platforms, and microfinance trends that prioritize responsible lending and sustainable finance. Financial inclusion policies have driven market growth, enabling greater financial resilience and empowerment for individuals and communities. Despite the market's progress, challenges persist, such as loan default, financial literacy programs, and debt management. Impact measurement, social impact reporting, and financial inclusion metrics are essential for assessing the market's success and addressing these challenges. Regulations and best practices play a crucial role in ensuring microfinance remains an effective solution for inclusive finance.
Borrowers, often from economically disadvantaged backgrounds, use these loans for various purposes, including starting small businesses in retail, food services, handicrafts, livestock rearing, transportation, recycling, and health services. Micro lending plays a crucial role in addressing income inequality by providing access to financial services for those excluded from the formal banking sector. Collateral is usually not required for these loans, making them more accessible than traditional loans. Financial inclusion initiatives have seen significant investment opportunities, with fintech startups and alternative data sources driving innovation. The market's future direction lies in data-driven lending, financial inclusion frameworks, and inclusive finance that caters to the unique needs of microenterprises and their development. Overall, the market's continued growth and evolution reflect its vital role in fostering financial inclusion and promoting economic prosperity.

How is this Micro Lending Industry segmented?

The micro lending industry research report provides comprehensive data (region-wise segment analysis), with forecasts and estimates in 'USD billion' for the period 2025-2029, as well as historical data from 2019-2023 for the following segments.

Source

  Banks
  NBFCs
  MFIs


End-user

  Small enterprises
  Solo entrepreneurs
  Micro-entrepreneurs


Geography

  APAC

    Australia
    China
    India
    Japan
    South Korea


  Europe

    Germany
    UK


  North America

    US


  Middle East and Africa



  South America

    Brazil

By Source Insights

The banks segment is estimated to witness significant growth during the forecast period. Micro lending banks provide financial services, such as loans, savings accounts, and insurances, to individuals with limited income. Established by various entities, including individuals, community organizations, private corporations, and foreign investors, these banks focus on economically disadvantaged clients, low-income households, and unbanked populations, including marginalized groups like women, youth, disabled individuals, and informal sector operators, such as micro-entrepreneurs

Mortgage rates increased at a record pace in 2022, with the 10-year fixed mortgage rate doubling between March 2022 and December 2022. With inflation increasing, the Bank of England introduced several bank rate hikes, resulting in higher mortgage rates. In May 2025, the average 10-year fixed rate interest rate reached **** percent. As borrowing costs get higher, demand for housing is expected to decrease, leading to declining market sentiment and slower house price growth. How have the mortgage hikes affected the market? After surging in 2021, the number of residential properties sold declined in 2023, reaching just above *** million. Despite the number of transactions falling, this figure was higher than the period before the COVID-19 pandemic. The falling transaction volume also impacted mortgage borrowing. Between the first quarter of 2023 and the first quarter of 2024, the value of new mortgage loans fell year-on-year for five straight quarters in a row. How are higher mortgages affecting homebuyers? Homeowners with a mortgage loan usually lock in a fixed rate deal for two to ten years, meaning that after this period runs out, they need to renegotiate the terms of the loan. Many of the mortgages outstanding were taken out during the period of record-low mortgage rates and have since faced notable increases in their monthly repayment. About **** million homeowners are projected to see their deal expire by the end of 2026. About *** million of these loans are projected to experience a monthly payment increase of up to *** British pounds by 2026.

Abstract

The fourth edition of the Global Findex offers a lens into how people accessed and used financial services during the COVID-19 pandemic, when mobility restrictions and health policies drove increased demand for digital services of all kinds.

The Global Findex is the world's most comprehensive database on financial inclusion. It is also the only global demand-side data source allowing for global and regional cross-country analysis to provide a rigorous and multidimensional picture of how adults save, borrow, make payments, and manage financial risks. Global Findex 2021 data were collected from national representative surveys of about 128,000 adults in more than 120 economies. The latest edition follows the 2011, 2014, and 2017 editions, and it includes a number of new series measuring financial health and resilience and contains more granular data on digital payment adoption, including merchant and government payments.

The Global Findex is an indispensable resource for financial service practitioners, policy makers, researchers, and development professionals.

Geographic coverage

National coverage

Analysis unit

Individual

Kind of data

Observation data/ratings [obs]

Sampling procedure

In most developing economies, Global Findex data have traditionally been collected through face-to-face interviews. Surveys are conducted face-to-face in economies where telephone coverage represents less than 80 percent of the population or where in-person surveying is the customary methodology. However, because of ongoing COVID-19 related mobility restrictions, face-to-face interviewing was not possible in some of these economies in 2021. Phone-based surveys were therefore conducted in 67 economies that had been surveyed face-to-face in 2017. These 67 economies were selected for inclusion based on population size, phone penetration rate, COVID-19 infection rates, and the feasibility of executing phone-based methods where Gallup would otherwise conduct face-to-face data collection, while complying with all government-issued guidance throughout the interviewing process. Gallup takes both mobile phone and landline ownership into consideration. According to Gallup World Poll 2019 data, when face-to-face surveys were last carried out in these economies, at least 80 percent of adults in almost all of them reported mobile phone ownership. All samples are probability-based and nationally representative of the resident adult population. Phone surveys were not a viable option in 17 economies that had been part of previous Global Findex surveys, however, because of low mobile phone ownership and surveying restrictions. Data for these economies will be collected in 2022 and released in 2023.

In economies where face-to-face surveys are conducted, the first stage of sampling is the identification of primary sampling units. These units are stratified by population size, geography, or both, and clustering is achieved through one or more stages of sampling. Where population information is available, sample selection is based on probabilities proportional to population size; otherwise, simple random sampling is used. Random route procedures are used to select sampled households. Unless an outright refusal occurs, interviewers make up to three attempts to survey the sampled household. To increase the probability of contact and completion, attempts are made at different times of the day and, where possible, on different days. If an interview cannot be obtained at the initial sampled household, a simple substitution method is used. Respondents are randomly selected within the selected households. Each eligible household member is listed, and the hand-held survey device randomly selects the household member to be interviewed. For paper surveys, the Kish grid method is used to select the respondent. In economies where cultural restrictions dictate gender matching, respondents are randomly selected from among all eligible adults of the interviewer's gender.

In traditionally phone-based economies, respondent selection follows the same procedure as in previous years, using random digit dialing or a nationally representative list of phone numbers. In most economies where mobile phone and landline penetration is high, a dual sampling frame is used.

The same respondent selection procedure is applied to the new phone-based economies. Dual frame (landline and mobile phone) random digital dialing is used where landline presence and use are 20 percent or higher based on historical Gallup estimates. Mobile phone random digital dialing is used in economies with limited to no landline presence (less than 20 percent).

For landline respondents in economies where mobile phone or landline penetration is 80 percent or higher, random selection of respondents is achieved by using either the latest birthday or household enumeration method. For mobile phone respondents in these economies or in economies where mobile phone or landline penetration is less than 80 percent, no further selection is performed. At least three attempts are made to reach a person in each household, spread over different days and times of day.

Sample size for United Kingdom is 1000.

Mode of data collection

Landline and mobile telephone

Research instrument

Questionnaires are available on the website.

Sampling error estimates

Estimates of standard errors (which account for sampling error) vary by country and indicator. For country-specific margins of error, please refer to the Methodology section and corresponding table in Demirgüç-Kunt, Asli, Leora Klapper, Dorothe Singer, Saniya Ansar. 2022. The Global Findex Database 2021: Financial Inclusion, Digital Payments, and Resilience in the Age of COVID-19. Washington, DC: World Bank.

Secure Access versions of Next Steps have more restrictive access conditions than Safeguarded versions available under the standard End User Licence (see 'Access' section).

Secure Access versions of the Next Steps include:

• sensitive variables from the questionnaire data for Sweeps 1-9. These are available under Secure Access SN 8656.
  
• National Pupil Database (NPD) linked data at Key Stages 2, 3, 4 and 5, England. These are available under SN 7104.
• Linked Individualised Learner Records learner and learning aims datasets for academic years 2005 to 2014, England. These are available under SN 8577.
  
• detailed geographic indicators for Sweep 1 and Sweep 8 (2001 Census Boundaries) are available under SN 8189, geographic indicators for Sweep 8 and 9 (2011 Census Boundaries) are available under SN 8190, and geographic indicators for Sweep 9 (2021 Census Boundaries) are available under SN 9337. The Sweep 1 geography file was previously held under SN 7104.
• Linked Health Administrative Datasets (Hospital Episode Statistics) for financial years 1997-2022 held under SN 8681.
• Linked Student Loans Company Records for years 2007-2021 held under SN 8848.

SN 5545 - Next Steps: Sweeps 1-9, 2004-2023 includes the main Next Steps survey data from Sweep 1 (age 14) to Sweep 9 (age 32).

Latest edition information
For the eighteenth edition (February 2025), the Sweep 9 Derived Variables data file has been updated with some newly derived variables categorised under the household (W9DCHNO12, W9DTOTCH, W9DTOTOWNCH) and education (W9DAQLVLH, W9DVQLVLH) sections. The Longitudinal data file have been updated with changes to the weight variables. Three out of the four weights in the previous version have been removed. W9FINWTALLB has been renamed to W9FINWT in line with previous sweeps. The user guide has been updated to reflect these changes. Furthermore, the derived variables user guide has been merged into the main user guide and can be accessed via Appendix 1.